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Raleigh, N.C. — As millions worldwide wait for the selection of a new pope, thousands of visitors to the Vatican are watching the historic proceedings first-hand. It's an experience a Raleigh couple says they will never forget.

In 2005, a planned vacation for Michael and Danielle Haley meant being in Rome for the last papal conclave.

"You know, you read about tradition and things that have happened in the past – popes being elected and conclaves being done – but it's only in books," Danielle Haley said. "To actually be there was, it was just amazing."

They had just sat down to eat dinner in St. Peter's Square when they saw the white smoke.

"When you're in the middle of the square, it's so hard to see," Michael Haley said. "There was a delay in the bells ringing, and as soon as they started to ring, we sort of looked at each other and said, 'Let's get closer.'"